Top News

The Netherlands were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Japan in their first match of the 2026 World Cup, conceding a late equaliser that denied them all three points. Second-half strikes from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville seemed to have secured the victory for the Oranje, but Japan twice came back to level as Group F action kicked off in Dallas.

Donyell Malen, fresh from a strong finish to the season with Roma, nearly gave the Dutch a dream start just three minutes in. Turning smartly, he unleashed a powerful effort that Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki did well to tip over the bar. That early chance proved to be the highlight of a cagey first half in which both teams avoided taking major risks in possession.

Ronald Koeman’s men finally broke through shortly after the interval when Van Dijk rose highest to meet Ryan Gravenberch’s precise cross from the right, guiding a header into the bottom corner. However, Japan were quick to respond — within seven minutes Keito Nakamura cut inside on his right foot and saw his low strike deflect off Jan Paul van Hecke and beyond Bart Verbruggen.

The Netherlands regained the advantage through West Ham winger Summerville, who collected the ball near the edge of the box, drove inside, and curled a low left-footed shot that went in off the post past Suzuki. Take Kubo almost restored parity immediately, launching a fierce long-range attempt that sailed just over.

Cody Gakpo then forced a solid save from Suzuki with a shot at the other end, but the Dutch found themselves under sustained pressure in the closing minutes. Their resistance finally broke when Koki Ogawa’s 89th-minute header deflected off teammate Daichi Kamada and looped into the top corner, ensuring the points were shared.

Here is how the Netherlands players were rated after their World Cup opener in Dallas:

Goalkeeper & Defence

Bart Verbruggen (5/10): Had no chance with Nakamura’s deflected strike, but should have done better to prevent the late equaliser despite the deflection off Kamada.

Denzel Dumfries (5/10): Japan’s disciplined shape and the Netherlands’ cautious approach limited his trademark attacking runs from right-back.

Jan Paul van Hecke (6/10): The Brighton defender was generally solid but unfortunate that Nakamura’s shot deflected off him for Japan’s first goal.

Virgil van Dijk (7/10): Apart from a few errant passes, he was typically composed and led from the back. His well-placed header opened the scoring.

Micky van de Ven (5/10): Used his pace well to recover a couple of dangerous situations but still looked uneasy playing at full-back.

Midfield

Ryan Gravenberch (7/10): A mixed outing for the Liverpool midfielder. Registered two assists, including a fine cross for Van Dijk’s opener, but allowed Nakamura space for his goal and drifted out of the game at times.

Frenkie de Jong (6/10): Kept possession moving smoothly in midfield but lacked energy and forward drive.

Tijjani Reijnders (5/10): Delivered some quality set-pieces, particularly early on, but contributed little from open play.

Attack

Crysencio Summerville (7/10): Displayed quick footwork in tight spaces and produced a few dangerous low crosses. Scored a fine goal to restore the Dutch lead with a composed finish.

Donyell Malen (6/10): Denied superbly by Suzuki early on and looked the most threatening Dutch attacker before fading in the second half and making way for Depay.

Cody Gakpo (5/10): Too often opted to play safe passes rather than take on defenders. Did manage to test Suzuki once in the second half.

Substitutes & Manager

Memphis Depay (5/10): Came on for Malen after the hydration break but struggled to impact the game.

Teun Koopmeiners (5/10): Couldn’t get enough touches to influence proceedings from midfield.

Quinten Timber (5/10): Replaced Reijnders but made minimal contribution in the middle of the park.

Nathan Ake (N/A): Introduced for the final ten minutes to help see out the result.

Brian Brobbey (N/A): Came on for Gakpo in the dying moments.

Ronald Koeman (4/10): His side’s lack of attacking ambition in the first half was worrying. Despite marginal improvement after the break, defensive lapses and cautious substitutions cost them dearly. The team must show far more intensity in their remaining group fixtures.

How far can the Netherlands progress at this World Cup?